Community Corner
13 Cobb Detainees To Graduate From CobbWorks 'ReAlign ReStart' Program
The collaborative initiative readies individuals for in-demand construction jobs.
Press release from CobbWorks:
Oct. 19, 2022
CobbWorks has implemented “ReAlign ReStart,” an on-site detainee re-entry initiative within the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, that trains and prepares them for jobs in construction and the skilled trades. The effort is in partnership with Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens, Construction Ready, Chattahoochee Technical College, and Cobb Adult Education. Thirteen detainees will graduate from the program on Oct. 21.
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The ReAlign ReStart program provides Cobb detainees with education, high-demand industry skills training, robust workforce readiness training, and employment placement. Over the past month, 13 justice-involved individuals participated in the Construction Ready Pre-Apprenticeship training program where they earned eight industry-recognized credentials with employment interviews pending their release.
The graduation ceremony will take place Friday, October 21 from 10 - 11:30 a.m at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, 1825 County Services Parkway.
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“This initiative is life-changing as it changes the trajectory of incarcerated individuals, giving them education, skills, opportunities and most importantly hope. These things alone create the space for better choices. Quote from President/CEO Sonya Grant”.
ReAlign ReStart provides a pipeline of workers addressing a skills gap for a high-demand industry. Talent shortages are impeding employers’ ability to fill available openings with workers.
"It takes a collaborative approach to help detainees close a difficult chapter and chart a new future, one where they have a real shot at success once they leave our custody,” said Sheriff Craig Owens. “Re-entry initiatives such as ReAlign ReStart are key to making Cobb County a safe, thriving place for all”.
ReAlign ReStart graduates will participate in a targeted hiring fair for employment placement. As part of the program they have already received career coaching/counseling, resume preparation, individual employment planning, mock interviews, and more. Upon release, graduates will receive support services including but not limited to childcare, food security, housing assistance, mental health services, transportation, and vital document recovery.
This press release was produced by CobbWorks. The views expressed here are the author's own.
